Phal stuartiana buds will not open

[June Bud]

The attached photo shows my Phal stuartiana with all 13 buds stuck in an unopened state for over a month. I've never had this happen to a phal before. Is there anything I can do to get them to open, or should I give up on them ever opening?

Brenda

[Paul Mc]

There is a hair dryer method, but I don't know how it works. I overheard someone talking about that.

[tucker85]

I've never had that happen. May increase the light a little bit. Just a thought.

[silken]

Possibly increase moisture a bit too? For most of my Phals they open one or two at a time and with so many at the same stage, maybe they need more to drink. Just a thought. They look ready to pop!

[June Bud]

I've tried more light, and water when the sphagnum moss dries to avoid over-watering. I don't recall exactly how long, but believe it could be as much as 5 or 6 weeks with no change. I haven't heard the hair dryer thing. Hopefully someone else can explain that one. I really want this one to open in time for our club's upcoming show.

[Pilot]

Sometimes I have buds that stick together with their petals at the tips of the buds. A gentle pinch will release that union of the petals and the buds pop open. Is this the case here?


Ryan

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[Andre]

I always put such plants in a very steamy bathroom. I use the shower to produce the steam and keep the plant on the counter with the door shut for 1 hour or so.
You don't have to leave the shower running that long.
Have not list any to bud blast from that treatment. It helps melt away the sugary nectar that can paralyze the developing buds.


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[Bud]

spray the buds with tepid water from the sink until its drenched and soaking wet ... then as Andre does: I take the plant to the bathroom sink while I shower...and then let it stay there until you are dressed up then put it back to where you usually park it....
* gently water steam the buds in the shower like removing the creases from a winter tailored overcoat

[Paphluvr]

Bud and Andre both have the right idea. I find that spraying the stuck bud (or buds) seems to work with any type of orchid, not just phals.

[silken]

Originally Posted by Paphluvr

Bud and Andre both have the right idea. I find that spraying the stuck bud (or buds) seems to work with any type of orchid, not just phals.

Don't you get spots on the buds then? That's what I'm always worried about. But I guess if they aren't opening anyways.... Or maybe it's just after they are open that they will get spots from water?